Standing in the Park Hall multipurpose room, freshman Kyree Shockley couldn't contain her emotion as she watched ABC news project Barack Obama as the president-elect Tuesday night.
Despite being surrounded by a largely pro-Obama crowd at the election watch party, Shockley was still surprised by the election's final outcome.
"I'm thankful that we finally have a change," she said.
The Office of Student Life, the Park Hall Council, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the University Democrats sponsored the watch party. Students gathered to see history made and to experience the moment with their friends and fellow students.
"I wanted to see history in the making," Shockley said. "It shows how far America has been. We went from slavery to black people not being able to vote and now we have an ethnic man as President."
Shortly after the national announcement, Obama won Indiana reigniting the celebrations from his supporters.
"I thought that was wonderful," junior Justin Webb said. "I was very surprised, but I'm very excited to see him win by one percent."
While the crowd was predominantly in support of Obama, there were some John McCain followers in attendance.
Sophomore Tyler Collins said he voted for McCain and came to the party wearing a Mitch Daniels shirt.
"It's a good way to see what my fellow students say about the political world," Collins said. "It's a good way to communicate."
The event's organizers were pleased with the success of the party. Tony Farmer, a graduate student working in a practicum with the Office of Student Life, said there were at least 215 students in attendance, but estimated the number was closer to 350.
"We had to call Dominos several times for more pizza," Farmer said. "When you have to call back for more food it's a very good thing."
Brent Lyle, vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha, said his fraternity cosponsored the event as a part of their efforts in the national program, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People."
"The idea was to get everyone together from all walks of life," Lyle said. "It's a time to get together regardless of party lines."
The chance to interact with members of the opposite party is something that attracted Shockley to the party.
"I wanted to see other people's reactions," Shockley said. "I wanted to see it live and in person."
Though the event was a pleasant surprise for its organizers, the election results were a joyful blessing for Shockley.
"Everybody's rejoicing," Shockley said. "It shows anything is possible. It shows anything can happen."
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